A Message From Campaign Chair Karen Getter

October 2017

Dear Colleagues:

On behalf of the organizing committee, I am excited to announce the beginning of our 17th annual Community Works fundraising campaign.

We seek your support for the ten local non-profit organizations that were selected from your nominations, and we are confident of the impact these agencies will have to address the community needs that nominations spotlighted this year: education/literacy, youth, environment, domestic violence, immigrant services, LGBTQ services, legal services, and animal welfare. Read about the new Community Works grant recipients.

Recent months have brought devastating natural disasters and human tragedies, such as in the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. No doubt many of us are responding in some generous way to help affected people restore their lives. When you contribute to Community Works you invest in compelling needs close to home -- which may be experienced by our family members, friends, or neighbors, or even by a Vassar co-worker. Our ten agencies include preventative and crisis services for the most vulnerable people where we live. These, unfortunately, are people we can lose track of until we are suddenly reminded by a headline or tragedy.

In the spring we will share brief summaries from the organizations on their latest activities. We are also planning a bus tour for employees to visit some of the agencies (keep an eye out for more details).

Each organization receives an equal share of the Community Works funds raised, and 100% of our contributions goes directly to the agencies because Vassar pays for all costs of the campaign. You can make your tax-deductible contribution via payroll deduction, credit card or check. To make a payroll deduction pledge or contribute by credit card, complete the secure contribution form. For payroll deduction please submit your pledge form by December 1st (if you are paid bi-weekly) or January 5th (if you are paid monthly). To give by check, print out and complete the contribution form, and mail it with your contribution to Community Works, Box 9 (or you can use the form being sent to you through the campus mail).

If everyone makes a contribution, no matter how large or small, together we strengthen our community ties! We thank you for your commitment and consideration.